6 Things I've Learned

1) Italians smoke too much

You would think that, generally speaking, this wouldn't bother me so much since it shouldn't directly affect me. Unfortunately there is no getting away from it and Italians seem to think that it shouldn't bother you. No matter what you try to do to get away from it, there's always somebody there to blow their smoke in your face. I swear, if I ever get lung cancer I'm blaming it on Roma!

2) The men aren't that bad

My biggest fear, if you could call it that, coming into this experience was the Italian men. Every person that I ever spoke to before I left, consistently warned me about the men and just how sleazy and annoying they can be/are. Well, I'm happy to say that while I've had a fair share of encounters that I wish I could forget, if you ignore them they tend to leave you alone. Yes, they'll still say things, but acknowledge them and you're screwed, ignore them completely and you're golden!!

3) Siesta time

To say that time isn't money in Italia is a bit of an understatement. I have to admit that, being American and all, I was rather skeptical of this whole siesta system they have going on over here before I left. How is one supposed to get anything done when things move so slowly and, what seems, so ineffectively, let alone closed during the middle of the day?? Somehow they've managed to make it work, and personally, I've totally converted - when is the U.S. going to choose to adopt the siesta system?? Lazy mornings, afternoon naps, and late nights - it's a great way to live!!

4) Walking in Roma is a giant game of chicken

While the overall crime rate in Roma is fairly low (petty crime, yes, but very little violent crime), the law in other respects seems to mean very little to the Italians - for example, the rules of the road. I'm not entirely sure what the exact rules of the road are, but if I had to guess, I'd say it's a free for all. Of course, this makes walking a rather interesting experience. I learned very early on that jay walking doesn't really exist in Roma and that the art of walking is basically a giant game of chicken. Yes, the drivers will come extremely close to you, possibly even close enough to knick you if you aren't paying attention, but pedestrians are expected to have the right of way. In other words, if there's an opportunity, get over it and walk!!

5) The food is amazing and the gelato is even better

I know that everyone thinks they have an idea of just how good authentic Italian food is, and I will admit that I was one of them, but you have no idea!! I have yet to taste a single thing over here that was not, at the very least, very good - most things are something that you can't possibly imagine and I can't describe. Then, to top things off, there is the fact that there are gelaterias everywhere! I will be the first to admit that I am not the biggest ice cream fan. It's not that I don't like it - I just really have to be in the mood for it. Gelato - entirely different story!! So good!! Between all the amazing food and gelato, it's a good thing I'm walking so much!!

6) Coffee is an experience to be savored

Last, but most certainly not least, I had my first Italian coffee experience on Saturday. (D, I think you're app has finally started working.) I had gone about a week and a half without coffee, undoubtedly the longest I've gone in more than a decade, and I just couldn't take it any longer. I would say that my withdrawals probably affected the experience, but every time since has been just as good and satisfying. Not only is the coffee (cappuccinos, for me) absolutely delicious, but it is the overall experience that makes it that much better - it all ties back into the siesta way of life. In fact, I think it's time for me to get a cappuccino before class!!

Ciao, ciao!!